How safe are dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are a quick and painless tool used by your dentist to help care for your teeth and maintain good dental health. These x-rays expose decay in or between teeth or under fillings that may not be visible during your dental exam. They also can show bone loss, infections, or other problems with your teeth or jaws.

Although there are several different types of dental x-rays, the most common type of x-rays taken during a dental check-up are called bitewings. These x-rays are taken inside your mouth and show both the upper and lower teeth from the crown to the jaw.

People who are more likely to develop cavities, such as those whose diet includes sugary foods or drinks, or patients who have a lot of restorative work, such as dental fillings, are among those who will benefit from regular dental x-rays to detect developing issues with teeth before they become larger problems. However, you may have wondered if you needed to be concerned about the safety of dental x-rays.

The x-rays used in dental offices produce such low levels of radiation that there is little need for concern. Additionally, at Grandview Dental Care, we use digital x-ray equipment, which is the latest technique for taking dental x-rays. Instead of using x-ray film, digital x-rays use an electronic sensor to take electronic images of your teeth, which are then stored and viewed on a computer screen. Using digital radiography requires even less radiation to take an image of your teeth than standard x-ray film does.

And at Grandview Dental Care, our x-rays machines are regularly checked for accuracy, so you can be assured of their safety.

As always, if you have any concerns about dental x-rays or any other procedures at Grandview Dental Care, feel free to discuss them with a member of our professional staff. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in the care we provide. Contact us at 614.486.7378 or stop by the office at 1220 Grandview Avenue in Columbus, Ohio to discuss any concerns you may have.